Argentine tennis star Juan Martin del Potro is set to play an emotional farewell match in his home country, marking the end of his illustrious career. This final appearance on the court is not just about bidding goodbye to professional tennis but also about celebrating his enduring friendship with Novak Djokovic, his longtime rival and close friend. The exhibition match, scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires, is a symbolic closure for del Potro, who has been through immense physical and emotional struggles in recent years.
Del Potro’s career faced a significant setback in 2019 when he fractured his kneecap during a match against Denis Shapovalov at the Queen’s Club Championships. Following this, he underwent multiple surgeries and spent years in recovery. Despite these challenges, he made an emotional return to the court at the Buenos Aires ATP 250 in February 2022 but eventually stepped away, believing his time in tennis had come to an end. However, del Potro later felt a deep desire to have a more fitting farewell, leading to this match against Djokovic.
The relationship between the two players has been one of mutual respect and camaraderie, despite their intense on-court battles. Over their careers, they faced each other 19 times, with Djokovic winning 15 of those encounters. Yet, their bond transcended rivalry, evolving into a genuine friendship. Djokovic’s arrival in Buenos Aires for the match highlighted this connection, as the two shared an emotional reunion captured in a video shared widely on social media. The video, showing Djokovic embracing del Potro, resonated deeply with fans and underscored the strong bond between the two legends.
Del Potro expressed his gratitude to Djokovic for agreeing to participate in his farewell match, calling it a generous gesture. Reflecting on his decision, del Potro said, “It’s a match to say goodbye. Djokovic was very generous in accepting my invitation. If, for one, two, or three hours, I can be at peace and happy on a tennis court, it will be beautiful.” He revealed how his career-ending knee injury had been a relentless source of pain, impacting even his daily life. He described the struggle, saying, “Since that moment, I’ve never been able to climb stairs without pain. It hurts when I drive; it hurts many times when I go to sleep. It’s been a never-ending nightmare.”
Despite these hardships, del Potro chose to frame this match as a celebration of his journey in tennis. The bond he shares with Djokovic has played a significant role in making this event possible. Del Potro recounted a heartfelt conversation with Djokovic in Miami, where the Serbian reached out to show his support. He shared how Djokovic asked about his plans for a farewell match and wholeheartedly offered his assistance, saying, “Count on me.” For del Potro, having Djokovic by his side in this final moment was crucial, as he admitted, “The only way this can go forward is if you want to accompany me that day.”
The friendship between del Potro and Djokovic serves as a testament to the profound connections sports can foster. Their relationship, once defined by competition, has blossomed into mutual admiration and support, culminating in this poignant farewell match. Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the event, recognizing it as a celebration of not only del Potro’s career but also the enduring friendships forged on the tennis court.